In addition to the cables, Ethernet data connections also depend on the peripherals, including the switches as pilots in data traffic. Lapp - originally a provider of integrated connection systems - is launching new switches on the market to ensure that cables and peripherals work well together. The 'Etherline Access' switches are available in different versions with four to 16 ports, also in combination with ports for fiber optic cables and as a variant with Power over Ethernet.

Decentralized control cabinets in production are often cramped; sometimes it is not even possible to close the door when they are fully equipped. Profinet switches with four, eight and 16 ports are available for such cases. With dimensions of 32 mm x 58 mm x 76 mm (Ethernet Access NF04T), they are the most compact on the market and can be installed flat on the DIN rail. The managed switches fulfill Conformance Class B and can be configured via a web interface.

Another new switch serves as a broker between IP networks and is used where there are conflicts due to multiple IP addresses. It has three LAN ports and a WAN port that connects the switch to a higher-level company network. Its NAT functionality translates the same IP addresses at machine level into different IP addresses at company level. Or the switch translates different external IP addresses into a different address range for the network at machine level. Port forwarding and routing mode are also on board.

In order to achieve high transmission rates over long distances, two other managed switches each have two SFP ports in addition to eight RJ45 ports for connecting fiber optic cables, including for fast Gigabit Ethernet. The switches can withstand temperatures between -40 and +75 °C and are protected against the ingress of foreign bodies in accordance with IP40. Suitable SFP standard modules for converting the light signal into electrical signals are also available.

A useful feature of Ethernet cables is that they can transmit electrical energy as well as data. Although the performance is low, it is sufficient to supply cameras in quality monitoring or Wi-Fi access points, for example, and a separate power supply can then be dispensed with. A new unmanaged switch from Lapp has four RJ45 ports with Power over Ethernet to supply power to the connected peripherals as well as a port for Fast Ethernet.